rugby league

"Wigan's signing of Christian Wade is the biggest coup for the sport of rugby league since Jonathan Davies joined me at Widnes back in the 80s," he said.

Both rugby union and rugby league authorities are facing ongoing legal action from former players who have suffered brain injuries.

More than 1,000 former amateur and professional rugby union and rugby league players are currently involved in a long-running concussion lawsuit against the sports' governing bodies.

Last year more than 300 former football, rugby league and rugby union players in the United Kingdom took legal action over brain injuries they claim to have sustained during their playing careers.

When he was reported missing on 5 March, supporters, the town and its respective football and rugby league clubs rallied in the search for the 54-year-old amid a huge public response.